Carsales scams

[max350]

Hi guys,

Have to sell my ute. I put an add on carsales and am getting alot of text messages from people saying they want to buy my car so can I contact them on their "gmail" as they can't call me due to there phone being scrambled.

Now I don't know anything about a phone being scrambled but if they can send a text message I'm sure they could call me.

I have not replied to any as it seems to be some sort of a scam. Has anyone here experienced similar or aware of any scam as such.

Thanks

[planetdavo]

Heaps of stuff on carsales scams on this site. Here's one of the recent threads, which pretty much explains the usual scenario...
http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=134354

[fishla]

http://helpcentre.carsales.com.au/help/scam-defence/

[R863]

Hi guys,

Have to sell my ute. I put an add on carsales and am getting alot of text messages from people saying they want to buy my car so can I contact them on their "gmail" as they can't call me due to there phone being scrambled.

Now I don't know anything about a phone being scrambled but if they can send a text message I'm sure they could call me.

I have not replied to any as it seems to be some sort of a scam. Has anyone here experienced similar or aware of any scam as such.

Thanks

You can usually pick the scam by the broken english they use, only answer phone calls in person as the wankers seem to only use either txt or gmail.

[woffty12]

I just listed my car today on carsales and i have just had the same txt gmail asking me to get back to them with my lowest price and condition,,sus

[Wikedsik]

I have sold 2 cars in the last 12 months, I wouldnt trust anyone i cannot speak with.

[bluedivide]

Both my sons sold and bought cars off Carsales in the last 12 months and both had a significant number of bogus emails, very low offers and silly questions asking about things that were clearly stated in the advert (i.e. mileage, options).

Having said that cars were sold in weeks rather than months, and they were happy with the sale price.

The site does work you just need to filter out the rubbish and freshen the advert up regularly, also consider pricing appropriately, and be prepared to negotiate if the buyer is serious.

I have noted that some sellers price their vehicles based on the cost of modifications without really considering whether prospective buyers actually value those 'add ons' in the way the seller does. With most prospective buyers you only get one chance, if the price appears unreasonable they'll just move on.

Just my 2c.

[cashie]

Both my sons sold and bought cars off Carsales in the last 12 months and both had a significant number of bogus emails, very low offers and silly questions asking about things that were clearly stated in the advert (i.e. mileage, options).

Having said that cars were sold in weeks rather than months, and they were happy with the sale price.

The site does work you just need to filter out the rubbish and freshen the advert up regularly, also consider pricing appropriately, and be prepared to negotiate if the buyer is serious.

I have noted that some sellers price their vehicles based on the cost of modifications without really considering whether prospective buyers actually value those 'add ons' in the way the seller does. With most prospective buyers you only get one chance, if the price appears unreasonable they'll just move on.

Just my 2c.

Some very good advice there

[brycieboy]

must be something wrong with my car then, been for sale for 3 weeks and not even a scamer has emaild sms'd or called...

[QldKev]

must be something wrong with my car then, been for sale for 3 weeks and not even a scamer has emaild sms'd or called...

Maaate, I'm currently offshore on an oil rig. We don't have access to phones or email from here. But being I work on the oil rig I make heaps of money. I want this car for my dad's birthday present as he had one identical. I'm happy to pay asking price and will even pay you an extra $100 for your time. I can transfer the money today, and will have my worker come around to pick it up for me.

*** Only joking don't reserve the car for me

[max350]

I am in no way questioning wether or not carsales works or not, as I have bought and sold many a car on there. I just don't understand the scammers wasting everybodies time with these text messages.

I would encourage others to not reply to these scammers as I will not waste my time either.

[UTESRULE]

I am in no way questioning wether or not carsales works or not, as I have bought and sold many a car on there. I just don't understand the scammers wasting everybodies time with these text messages.

I would encourage others to not reply to these scammers as I will not waste my time either.

i enjoy dragging these ppl along they think there going to scam me but they finaly reliase im pulling there chain its funny as what lengths they go to

[Mad Dog]

I also usually play along. Some are very devious using things like to find local post offices you can make deposits etc.
I try to waste as much of their time as possible. But in the end when ive had enough 36 bold font swear words usually gets the message across.

[NuffNuff]

when selling my VE SS on carsales i ignored all text messages, i'd only deal with incoming calls or voicemail, if people cant be bothered picking up a phone then they are dreamers

edit: one thing ive noticed when looking for a new family wagon was that there are shitloads of people selling cars with the first name Mark on carsales

[LS1-5.7]

Who in their right mind would play into the hands of these arsewipes anyway ? Who releases a car without funds being confirmed and secured ? Or alternatively, who pays for a car they have not seen or driven nor even met the owner of ?

Common sense has to prevail here surely as the internet or cybercrimes are not new anymore and have been a reality for years.

Disclose in your ad that only phone calls will be accepted and that all overseas agents, relatives etc will be ignored.

Cash is cash for a reason and should be considered a first option. Transfers would be the second option and there's not much after that except a bank cheque but that can have been forged, uttered or stolen. The end result is still the same

No cash, no test drive